THE TURKS SECRETARY, Containing HIS SUNDRY LETTERS Sent to divers Emperors, Kings, Princes and States, full of proud brags, and bloody threatenings: With several Answers to the same, both pithy and peremptory. Translated truly out of the Latin Copy. LONDON Printed by M. B. and are to be sold at the Swan in Paul's Churchyard. 1607. TO THE MOST Worthy, Liborius, Theodore, Adolph, Lodowick, and George, sons to the most noble Nicolas of MUNICHAUSEN, favourers of all good learning, health. MOST noble and worthy Gentlemen, the birth and growth of Mahomet's tyranny, which, like the inundation of some great and mighty river, hath overflown the greatest part of the world, is very memorable. For that Arabian impostor and false Prophet, being descended of mean parentage, under colour of a certain new and plausible Religion, made his way to the Empire; and having therewith good success and fortune of war, was the first that gave name to that superstitious sect, and most prodigious kingdom. And indeed this enterprise was more easily achieved, because, in all counsels and contractations he had an excellent apprehension, and affected always in his designments and resolutions to be popular. For being by nature composed all of Subtlety and Flattery, he became by means thereof so powerful and mighty in his persuasions, that in short time he drew all the people to his party, and purchased himself a great name and reputation amongst them. The laws and institutions which he published, were embraced of his countrymen with wonderful applause and liking, partly, for that he pretended to have received them by Divine inspiration, and partly, because they held good correspondence and proportion with their own wicked inclination, and dissolute course of life. And this course seemed unto him to be the shortest and most compendious way to attain and establish his greatness, being persuaded that where he could not obtain in a Lion's skin, there doubtless he should prevail in a Fox's case. For he called to mind, how Lysander had once advised to that purpose, deriding the folly of those men, who (as if they were borne of Hercules) seek to accomplish their designments rather with force than with policy. But of the manner of government among the Lacedæmonians, being very like to this, and of that wicked Alcoran which was patched together by the labour and travel of those lewd confederates, john of Antioch, Sergius the Arrian, and a certain jew that was an Astronomer, in the year of our Saviour Christ, 624. and in the time of Heraclius the Emperor, and of Pope Honorius the first; though a great field is here opened unto me to discourse, yet at this time, and at this place I hold it needless and impertinent. To return therefore to our former matter. When he had ordered his affairs after this manner, he persuaded the people, that were mad with desire of liberty, to take arms; wherewith he enlarged the narrow confines of his new Monarchy, and in short time brought great and mighty Provinces to be subject to his tyranny. The people were encouraged herein the rather, through a vain hope, wherewith this false Arabian prophet did abuse them, making them believe, that they should be Masters of the whole world: which (as he said) both by Divine Providence, and right of inheritance did appertain unto Abraham's posterity, and consequently unto them, who derived their pedigree lineally from Sara their mother. This vain conceit was a strong goad to prick them forwards to make sharp and cruel wars against all nations. And to this day, the Turks made proud with this fancy only, have with their arms invaded divers Kingdoms and States, and like an heard of hungry wolves, lying in wait for a flock of sheep, they lie in ambush to destroy all Christendom. Neither was Mahomet the second less agreeable in conditions than in Name, to that enthusiastical seducer, exercising more tyranny and cruelty, than all the Ottamanes beside, as if the same had been bequeathed unto him by the last Will and Testament of his predecessor. For his father Amurathes being himself of all that ever lived, the most barbarous and cruel, declared him to be the heir apparent of all his kingdoms and signories, upon condition, that he would be an everlasting enemy of the name of Christ, and would bend all his studies, and thoughts, to be tyrannous, cruel, and unmerciful. But so strait a band and caution needed not, seeing the exceeding paleness of his countenance, having swollen cheeks, and a crooked nose which touched almost his lips, together with many other signs and tokens of a monstrous nature, showed evidently in his childhood, what kind of man he was like to prove in his riper years. For he that readeth the Histories of former times, shall find many examples of such misshapen and deformed Thersites, the monsters and wonders of Mankind, which have been in their time, the ruin and confusion of Kingdoms and Commonweals. His Mother, being the daughter of the Despote of Servia, and Duke of Mysia, was careful to instruct him in the rules of Piety and Christian Religion. For holding in deep detestation the wicked heresies of the Saracens, and the savage cruelty of the Barbarous Turks, she desired earnestly to have him consecrated to the obedience of Christ, and service of the Commonwealth: which, being herself a wise and religious woman, she preferred as a heavenly treasure before all the wealth and kingdoms of the world. But, Naturam expellas furca, etc. Nature will not be bridled, and what is bred in the bone will never out of the flesh. For Mahomet no sooner came to man's estate, but he cast all into the wind, and took no care of any religion. In private he was an absolute Atheist, reposing all his hopes in a good Fortune, making no account of the Divine providence, and with many scoffs and scorns testing at those which affirmed that human affairs are disposed and governed by God. Wherefore following the example and direction of his predecessor and father, his chiefest care and study was to enlarge his dominions, and with the yoke of Mahometan slavery to oppress those kings and people whom he subdued. So that in the space of 32. years, that he reigned, many Kingdoms, Dukedoms, and Cities were conquered, and became subject to his tyranny. For which cause he was compared to Alexander the Great, and for his noble and great exploits, surnamed the Great amongst his people. The first and fearfullest feat of war which he did, was the winning of Byzantium the most renowned and Famous City of Constantine the Great, which is acknowledged of all, to have been the glory and beauty of all Christendom. There is no man living (as I think) that is able with fit words, and due compassion to express so grievous and so great calamities. For then the great and mighty Empire of Greece that was wont to be the wall and bulwark of the Roman Empire, in less than two months siege was dissolved, and utterly subverted. The Emperor Constantinus Paleologus, a Prince endued with all commendable parts of piety, and virtue, seeing his estate was desperate, and thinking to escape with his people at a back gate, was miserably smothered and killed in the throng: at what time, the bloody and cruel tyrant caused Proclamation to be made, that no person of what age, sex, or condition soever should be saved or pitied in that common massacre. This lamentable tragedy was acted in the 1453. year after the recovery of our salvation by the Son of God, when Frederick the third swayed the Empire of Rome, and Sixtus the fourth governed the Papacy. Now God of his infinite goodness and mercy break the rod and power of the Turks, and stop their rage and fury, that in these latter days which are yet remaining unto the day of judgement, the Church may enjoy peace and safety. For we are come now unto that time, wherein many grave, wise, and learned persons, among whom Luther was not the meanest, foretold that the Turk should reign in Germany. And truly so it appeareth. For all their studies and forces are bend only, that by a short cut they may invade our borders. And if we mark with what civil dissensions, and intestine broils the whole country of Germany is set on fire, we cannot but confess that it will be an easy enterprise for them to subdue it; except our most gracious and merciful God being pacified with our humble devotions, will with his invincible arm defend us and avert these dangers. The Turks (we see) with all diligence and watchfulness, do observe such advantages, and seldom or never do they slip these occasions, but with great joy embrace them, as the only signs and abodements of their good fortune: whereas we are possessed with such dullness and stupidity, (what shall I call it else? more properly I can call it nothing) that, beside it depriveth us of all sense of our own miseries, it causeth also in our enemies themselves so great an admiration and wonderment, that they jest at us for it with extreme laughter and derision. How happy were it for us, if the great wealth whereof the Exchequer, and common Treasury is daily emptied, were employed on this service, and the subjects were not suffered to be so much impoverished as they are? For so long as they are rich, and able to contribute to their Sovereign's wants, it will be an easy matter to raise an Army and to make war upon any occasion: But if once they be exhausted and drawn dry with unnecessary exactions and impositions, our armies will soon be dissolved, and our wars will prove ridiculous and infortunate, for want of means to prosecute and maintain them. And if then necessity compel us to seek for peace, and Christian amity with our foes, is it not strange that in time of prosperity the very name of peace is so odious and hateful? especially considering it happeneth many times, that whilst two are striving and contending together, they are made (like the frog and the mouse in the fable) a pray and booty to a third enemy, whose malice never ceaseth till he hath destroyed them both, and sent their souls (that I may use the Poet's words) to ferry over the Stygian lake, which is the black pit of hell. Why then are we afraid of any foreign Turks? Seeing we, even we, are Turks unto ourselves: yea far more cruel and injurious than any Turk, or (as the name importeth) any destroyer in the world. For the Turks, being at peace within themselves, do bear one common hatred against all Christians, that they may subdue them, and destroy their name and memory from the earth: But on the other side, we make peace with Turks, and turn our swords against our own sides, having our pleasure only, with civil wars and domestic broils, to destroy one another, as if we had conspired with the common enemy, to make ourselves an easy conquest unto his tyranny. And if this be not madness and fury, I know not what is madness. But let us return to Mahomet: Who, although he was of such a tyrannous nature, as I have declared, yet contrary to all other Barbarians, hath this praise and commendation given him by all Historiographers, namely that he burned always with an incredible desire to understand all good Arts and Histories. For he caused the Histories of all Nations, having to his infinite charge gathered them together out of all places, to be translated into the Turkish tongue, that they might serve him as a well-furnished storehouse of grave examples, fit for imitation and practice, in the use of war, and military discipline: What kind of stratagems and warlike policies he hath gathered out of them, his own manner of Government, and the Commentaries of Vicentinus, his freed-bondman, and of many others that have written thereof, do declare at large. Among the rest, these Epistles, being so wittily, and gravely written, deserve not the least nor the last commendation. For they were written by himself, either as he marched and set forth against his enemies, or else when he encamped: against whose testimony, being most privy to his own resolutions and warlike affairs, there is no exception can be taken. And where he useth in them a certain kind of laconical brevity, it is not for want of time to write more largely, but because his desire was always to express his mind in a full and plain kind of speech, without vain and needless circumstances. For they that are wise indeed, are ever accustomed to deliver much matter in few words: which praise Homer giveth unto Menelaus the Spartan, and many other great personages are commended by others, for the same quality and virtue. Yet I deny not, but this witty and concise kind of speech which Mahomet useth, doth savour very much of tyranny: because it is common with Tyrants to deliver their minds in few terms, and those also very imperious and menacing, as their own verse declareth; Sic volo, sic jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas. So do I will, So I command, And let my will for reason stand. As for the responsory letters, which are woven in the same loom, I have no more to say, but that they show a manifest contempt of the Tyrant and his threatenings, holding it far better to hazard the worst of Fortune, then to yield their nekes to the cruel yoke of his intolerable slavery. But to let pass all Histories, is it not a lamentable thing to consider, how he hath subdued and conquered all places that he came unto? so that he may truly say of himself, as once said julius Caesar: Veni, Vidi, Vici. I came, I saw, I overcame. And thus much shall suffice of him. Now concerning the Translator of these Epistles, (one Laudinius a man famous and well known to the world, as well for his learning, as for the honour and place which he had amongst the Knights of Jerusalem) he deserveth no less praise for translating, than the Author himself for composing them. For he hath so lively and significantly expressed the conceit and meaning of a strange tongue, that he seemeth altogether to relish of Tully his elegancy and sweetness. Therefore my hope is, that good men will not dislike my travels in publishing the same; which having finished, I thought good to dedicate the same to you, most noble and worthy Gentlemen. For I understand by good and credible report, that you do apply your whole study unto learning and knowledge, and that no day passeth you without some time drawn to that purpose. Assuredly, though you are descended of many most ancient and noble Gentlemen, and may justly boast the honourable badges and arms of your Ancestors; yet the best and readiest way to raise your titles, and to make you more honourable, is to be learned. Which way if you will pursue with your accustomed diligence, you shall shortly reap the happy fruits of your long studies, namely, variety of all perfect and true knowledge, and a noble reputation graced with the best preferments both with Prince and people: The one being enabled through your grave and learned counsels, will govern his estate virtuously, and the other having confidence in your virtue, will fear no dangers. O happy, and thrice happy are they, to whom such blessings are given of God. Indeed the common sort of Gentlemen, of whom Carneades sometimes spoke, because they learn nothing but to ride horses are in no estimation, no not with the meanest of the multitude. For is there any thing in them, that appeareth worthy or commendable? Cannot every vulgar and base fellow learn to manage a horse aswell as they? Which I speak not to disgrace riding and horsemanship: but wish rather it may have it's due honour and respect: only I would not have you to be of their number who giving themselves wholly to this quality make slow proceed or none at all in the way of learning; wherein I doubt not, but your father's judgement doth concur with mine, as I might well perceive at my first acquaintance with him, when in the Castle of Stradthag I taught that worthy and noble Gentleman, Count Ernestus, the true and sole heir of the County of Schoumburg. For considering with himself, what great commodities learning bringeth with it to all sorts of persons, his principal care and study was to commit you to the hands of grave and learned teachers, to be instructed, and to provide for you according to your estates, competent and necessary exhibition. For all which his fatherly care and bounty, he requireth no more of you but to be diligent to furnish yourselves with all good learning and knowledge. Which if you will do, you will rejoice the hearts not only of your parents, but also of all those that love you, and you shall be highly esteemed amongst the chiefest Nobility. But it is needless to spur a free horse, or to exhort you that are already prepared and addressed to this virtuous course. Therefore I will stay myself here, humbly beseeching you to take in good part this slender signification of my duteous affection towards you and your studies. Far you well. Your Hon: most devoted M. HERMANN. VASTELLAB. THE PREFACE OF LAUDINIUS Knight of Jerusalem, written to Francinus Beltrardus concerning the letters of the Great Turk. TO whom rather (my dear Francinus) should I send the letters which I have lately published, then unto you? wherein I have sought more to please myself, then to be praised of others: for having retired myself for my recreation to Cicianum, a town in Campania, I thought good to present these unto you, that thereby I might tender you an account both of my diligence and studies. The Commentaries which I began to write to the Pope, the greatness of the work compelled me to give over until an other time. I know that herein I do expose myself to the detraction of many; considering how most men are so froward and peevish in their opinions, that they will judge nothing according to right, but will measure all things by their own reason. And so seeing we have lost the truth long sithence, I am contented to leave this censure of me to the posterity. Nunc pueri nasum Rhinocerotis habent. * ⁎ * THE ARGUMENT of these Letters. MAhomet Emperor of the Turks, surnamed for the worthiness of his exploits, the Great Turk, when (having increased the forces which his father left him) he had conquered Asia, he transported over Hellesponte an infinite army into Europe, and with the same won BiZantium the famous and noble city of Constantine. He brought also to his subjection Mysia, Galatia, Thracia, Achaia, Peloponnesus, Acarnania, Aetolia, Ambrachia, Epirus, and all that coast of Illyria, besides twelve kingdoms in the lesser Asia: namely, Pontus, Bythinia, Cappadocia, Paph●agonia, Cilicia, Pamphilia, Lycia, Caria, Lydia, Phrygia, and Hellespont. All which are at this day under the government of the Turk: who, (as occasions presented themselves unto him) directed of late his letters unto divers persons and people of the world; partly in the Syrian and Greek tongue, and partly in the Scythian or Slavonian. These coming into the hands of Laudinius Knight of Jerusalem, who understandeth these languages perfectly, were translated by him into the Latin, and are now published in English for the good of those that desire to know the affairs and proceed of the Turk. The Turk to Sancassan king of Persia. I Do hear, that thou hast passed Euphrates, and hast brought a great power unto Lepta, that thou art entered with the same into the confines of Parthia, and there puttest all to the fire & sword; that with thy forces thou hast invaded Armenia, and conveyed thine army thither; and that, having spoiled the cities, thou hast divided the towns, villages, and fields as a pray to thy soldiers. Surely I wonder much that thou bearest the mind not of a conqueror, but of a robber. Therefore having mustered our people out of all Greece, we make ready to fight with thee, that thou mayest war with thine enemy with equal forces. For it is base and dishonourable for great and mighty kings, to make war like thieves. Sancassan to the Turk. Having encamped at the foot of the mountain Taurus, I went presently in all haste with the army to lay siege to Thesiphon: and having wasted all the borders of Armenia, I forced all the country for fear of my power to obey me. Which maketh me the rather to wonder, that thou dost call my deeds in question, considering that as they are many and famous, so they have been all achieved after the due course of war and law of Arms. Know therefore, that of our enemies we seek not praise, but victory. The Turk to Sancassan. I Came with my army to the straits of Cilicia, where with a memorable overthrow Alexander the Great overcame Darius. Neither do we promise to ourselves any other success of our wars: seeing we have already matched Alexander in the glory and fortune of our exploits. For great enterprises are not performed by the fury and rage of a rude multitude: but victory consisteth in the prowess of a few. Sancassan to the Turk. WHen I do consider my own power, and the greatness of my noble acts, wherein I have been as fortunate as the immortal Gods, I cannot but laugh at thy rash and foolish preparations: especially, having always commanded a most invincible army, by whose valour I am styled The most fortunate King. All the Bactrians, Persians, Medes, Armenians, Parthians, and almost the whole East: I have subdued with my arms: and since Alexander the Great, none but I durst make wars upon the nations. Cease therefore to boast of the great fortune of the place at the straits of Cilicia. An Indian Elephant doth not fear a Gnat. There is nothing so hard and difficult, but the constant resolution of soldiers will overcome it. And there is no place so inaccessible, but valour will enter it. Sexuares King of Armenia to the Turk. WE have sent our Ambassadors as far as Thesiphon unto Sancassan, who with incredible preparations, hath entered Mesopotamia, and marcheth with a great power to besiege Babylon and Carras. Also he purposeth that Syria and all Egypt shall be a pray unto him. So numberless an Army and so mighty an Host, we remember not to have ever been assembled in one place: so that for his great strength, he seemeth to exceed Xerxes, Darius, Pyrrhus, and Alexander. Add hereunto six hundred thousand horsemen, and so many footmen. His magnificent and sumptuous provision for the war, and his tents beset all about with pearls and precious stones declare evidently that it is a royal preparation. They say that he hath in his Tents seven hundred concubines and as many boys. Also the eunuchs and Camp-masters following the carriages are reported to be six thousand. Finally, they have armour and weapons of all sorts appertaining to the war: namely, French curans, Spanish targets, Roman buskins, Candian arrows, Parthian bows, and Egyptian spears. All which things being carefully discovered by our spies, we have signified unto you at large. For who dares attempt any thing rashly against him, that seemeth to be able to contend for sovereignty with the Gods themselves? Or will any man neglect to provide the best he may for his safety, when he standeth so near to destruction? The Turk to Sexuares. THe things thou hast signified unto us by thy Ambassadors, touching the provision Sancassanus makes against us, are so far from amating us, that they have animated the minds of our soldiers, and increased their wont courage, for that confidence they have always had in war, and hopes, to carry away the spoils of their enemies, are redoubled by the report: as for concubines, jewels, and other accidental ornaments of an army, pertaining to the unnecessary bravery, and not the true being of a soldier, I esteem them to avail not a rush unto victory: for whiles they are rather a hindrance to the enemy, they seem to inflame the appetites of our soldiers, and whet them unto the prey: neither yet do we contend about kingly bravery, delights and dainties, but for victory, and military manhood, whereby kingdoms are purchased: as for his numberless heaps of men, we scorn them; for the base unlettered multitude is fit to fly then fight, readier to take them to their heels and run away, then to stand for victory, and win the day. The Sultan to the Turk. WHen news are brought me, how many fields are won by thy sword, and when I hear the great wonders of thy exploits, it will not sink into my head, that so great things come to pass, either by thine own, or by thy soldiers valour; it's the hand of Fortune, I rather believe, who overrules all actions; yet do I not for all that, envy any whit thy praises: for what generous mind will not commend virtue, even in an enemy? but such verily is the reeling weakness of human things, that all things except they be ruled by fatal necessity, seem to be at Lady Fortune's pleasure, and after her countenance, rather than to be directed by the wisdom, and concluded by the hand of man. The Turk to the Sultan. THou art far wide, man, and not a little deceived, to think, those men commit all to Fates and Fortune, who work all by counsel and good advise. Virtue is not subject to be ruled, nor overruled by Fortune; but its reason, the Lady regent, and mistress of man's house, that overswaies in all things, by which we come nearer in nature to the gods, than other creatures. Notwithstanding, lo thee here a reason of the things have been done by us, so many and so great. If we want no trusty wakeful sentinels to watch; if we have good store of well disciplined, and old trained soldiers; if we have plenty of fresh water soldiers of good hope, picked out of all degrees; if our army be puissant, accustomed well to overcome, but knows not how to be overcomed; an army, that can live long winters a most hardy life in tents; exercised with great journeys, exposed to many dangers, hardened with manifold labours by sea and land; wearied with no occasion of war, whose forefront never yet yielded one foot of ground, no man daring to turn his back; an army that hath learned patience to endure both hot and cold, neither cast down with adversity, nor lifted up with prosperity; that by virtue hath made triumphs of all evils, that by warfare though far from home, hath brought under their girdle innumerable nations of the world, and often put to flight incredible troops of men; for which I myself stand established Emperor of almost all the East. Now, if you call all these things Fortune, if you will have all these to be played by hap hazard, than I confess all things are turned up and down, to rise or fall, as Fortune's smile or frown. The Turk to the Pope of Rome. WE have invaded Corinthus with arms, the most noble city of Achaia; we have beside set foot in Aetolia, advanced our colour in Macedonia, and marched the pace of victory through all Peloponnesus from end to end; the villages, cornefields, and towns, that stood in our way we have spoiled far and near by fire, and turned them into smoke, to make way before us, that without any let, we may make war upon Italy, and Rome at last to stoop. All these things do we let thee to understand to the great terror, and greater loss of all Christians. The Pope of Rome to the Turk. WE mind to revenge, not so much thy bloody cruelty in putting all Greece to fire and sword, as the spoils and ruins of so many famous Cities; for how may we hope thou shouldst so temper victory, that thou wilt show mercy and use clemency towards thine enemies, who never yet sparedst thine own in cruelty, wickedness and lust? neither can there be any thing kept right or holy in actions tween man and man when God is had in contempt, and God's religion in neglect; we have not deserved so at thy hands, that thou shouldst bring war upon Italy, and bear arms against Rome; yet shall we be able, to contemn with ease the unjust arms of wicked men, who have the arms of God to guard us, and dwell secure under the wings of heavens protection. The Turk to the Pope of Rome. IN vain, by great God Mahomet I swear, dost thou reason the case with us, who mean not to strive with thee about holiness; nor is religion the golden ball we run for; nor yet is justice the end and aim of our swords; but the bent of our desires is to enlarge the bounds of our Empire; let the better cause be counted his that hath the field, let him be juster in his plea, that stronger is in arms: as for cruelty, and lust, two things thou hast so burdened us withal, know thou, we therefore practise them upon our captives, because we would not have our fame to bely us, but that men may find me the very same indeed, whom fame reports me in words. The Pope of Rome to the Turk. ALthough our cause which moves us to war against thee be most just, yet have we taken arms upon us not with like wickedness to thee, only in a lust of Lordly raining, but in a necessity of defending our liberty. For who can with patience bear a Tyrant? What man can endure so damnable and unmanly manners? For look, what's usual in others, when fear, hate, or anger moves them unto bitterness against their underlings, thou of thyself and voluntary motion without any other motive art more barbarous than they all, who gloriest more in cruelty then victory itself, upbraiding the captives with their misery, to make them more miserable. Expect therefore to pay, what thou owest, deserved punishments for thy misdeeds; for God though he hath leaden heels, yet he hath iron hands, and will recompense the slow pace of revenge, with the greater blow of payment. The Turk to the Venetians. I Came unto Patra with so mighty an Army, that I overcame with a look; the first step was victory; and at first sight all was mine own. These are the things we let you to understand with the no little damage of your Commonwealth. The Venetians to the Turk. IT was neither by experience of war, nor valour of soldiers, thou overcamest us at Patra: fortune must have all the thanks. Who seeing she is not in the hands and power of men, well mayest thou fear one day to prove, what others now feel; look thou therefore for a change, and an ebtide of that fortune, thou now so fond and lightly boastest in; for peace hath the praise of victory, where more is done by the will and pleasure of Fortune, then is foreseen by the counsel, or brought about by the strength of men. The Turk to the Magistrates of Grecia. IT will not grieve you, I know, neither will you think much, to give over arms at last, and begun; who notwithstanding, I have so oft vanquished you in the field, yet, as I hear, you still repair your broken forces, and still prepare for war: It becomes conquerors to bid battle, and the conquered to obey their laws; we hold it therefore safer for you to entertain equal conditions of peace, then to be vanquished again in war, and so to lose both peace, and arms; for when the field is lost, deliberation comes too late. The Magistrates of Grecia to the Turk. WE will not give our backs with a farewell to arms, before we encounter thee & beat back again those injuries by which thou so often gloriest in a foolish madness, thou hast triumphed over us in the field; for, thou canst not be ignorant, how doubtfully hangs the event of things, and how changeablely the common fortune of war reels from the one to the other side. We scorn that peace, thou offerest us with slavery, and wouldst have us accept as conquered men; as for thy good counsel, keep it to thyself; enemies are not to be consulted with for the good of actions twixt us and them. The Turk to the Venetians. YOu trouble, I hear, and molest the sea coasts of Licia with your Navy, you provided so great a one for the use of war by sea; and not only so, but after you had wasted with fire and sword the borders of my Kingdom all over, you have besieged, I hear, Athalia, a City of Pamphilia: Co●●●●er, I pray you, what conclusion will follow upon these premises; he is foolhardy and unadvised that by war assaults another man's estate, when he can hardly defend his own; for it behoves and stands you upon, since you lost Colchis, to preserve rather the common wealth, and uphold still the old dignity of your name, then by unlikely arms to seek after anew Empire. The Venetians to the Turk. NEither Peloponnesus, nor Colchis, themselves, though lost long since by the destiny and sentence of war, can daunt or discourage our minds from new assaults; howsoever thou broughtest those countries under thy command, not by manhood of soldiers, but won to thy hand by a treacherous betraying of our men; we notwithstanding, who seek not to gain kingdoms by treachery, but victory by arms, have laboured by our Navy to make all things by all means offensive to thee and thine by sea and land; for he is far from the virtuous mind of a generous Prince, that enlargeth his dominion with Cities not taken by the Law of arms, but stolen by the false play of hidden guile. The Turk to the Genuensians. I Hear that Menedorus in his Orations before the people, doth often brand my name with the blackness of foul disgrace, as if by his ill speaking, he could work us any injury, who have learned long since to fear no words: but you are greatly deceived; for we war with you not by bitter gall of words, but by deeds of arms and dint of swords; he can easily contemn what men say of him, and laugh to hear his enemies rail on him, who for the love of Lordships, and desire of more Kingdoms, would not shun infamy itself. The Genuensians to the Turk. NEither doth Menedorus by the authority of our Senators, neither do our Citizens by the decrees of our City pursue thee with disgrace, but by a certain inbred and unappeasable hate of thee, who hast made all men thine enemies, and provoked them unto injury: as for the injuries we have received at thy hands, be thou well assured, we go not about to requite them with words, but mean to repay them with our swords: it skills but a little in our opinion, what men say of thee; thy deeds will not let fame bely thee; and thy shameless dishonesty of an ill led life is now become senseless against all regard of honesty. The Turk to the Naritians. WE accuse, o Naritians, your foolish madness, not in a fear of war, but in that you persuade yourselves, I purposely and of mine own accord bear arms against you, as if silly worthless mice were a worthy pray for the kingly Lion: is it not ashame, if the Elephant should strive with Gnats? The Naritians to the Turk. WE would to God thou didst so scorn the Naritians, as an object of too low degree, and as a pray too base for thy brave mind; then should our eyes be less fixed on thy power, and hearts less troubled with thy might. But pardon us that have suffered so many evils of our enemies, if experience and remembrance of bypassed times make us look about, and have a care of time to come. The Turk to the Corcyrians. YOu have confessed an injury, o Corcyrians, whiles you make havoc in the borders of Ambrachia, and spoil every where the fields of Acarnania, turning all things to your own prey, notwithstanding I have so oft formerly forgiven you. But let those men that are so forward, as to be first in injuries towards others, expest a day of payment with usury. The Corcyrians to the Turk. THou art much and more, mistaken, if thou supposest, we only confessed an injury, and did no more. For we have beside brought desolation upon thy countries, and left behind us every where the sensible testimonies of war; therefore did we first raise war against thee, to invite our virtues unto greater exploits, and to rouse up our resolutions for greater endeavours; For we cannot with patience endure the inhuman cruelty of a Tyrant, that by all kind of inhumanity and lawless lust hath offered violence to all sorts of men. The Turk to the king of Cyprus. AT the Calends of August I came with an Army into Cilicia to win the most opulent city Tharsia; as for Lupus, the Legate of thy navy, we slew him taken prisoner not far from Phreata. See thou therefore unto whose hands thy father's kingdom now is come, fear Fortune's inconstancy, for in human things nothing is in all respects, and always happy, or constant in happiness without change. The King of Cyprus to the Turk. WHen by force of Arms I demanded Cyprus, mine own, again, I put to flight mine enemies at the mountains Ceraunia, not by any power I borrowed of my father's kingdom, whose fortune was then to live at Carree a banished man, destitute and far distant from mine own; yet notwithstanding by and by, so soon as I once entered the Island with but a little band of men, I vanquished with a handful, incredible heaps of our enemies, in so much that all men said, I had outgone Euagoras. It's not then by chance and peradventures, but by wisdom and soldiers valour, that we manage our affairs, neither do we glory so much in what we have well done, as we forethink and provide for things to come. As for Fortune, she is more to be feared of thee, whom she seems to have lifted up so high that she may give thee a greaterfall, and whom she seems now to fawn so much upon in the fortunate success of things, that she may more easily deceive thee brought a bed in a fools paradise with too much felicity to commit all things to Fortune's hazard; and to stay ourselves, on her restless wheel, I know not whether it be more uncertainty or more foolhardiness in a man. The Turk to the Methonensians. NEither will we, o Methonensians, as yet set upon your City, neither yet will we that it free and secure from the assault of our Army, till by long protracted and continued war, your Citizens turn war into hatred, and hate arms, as their greatest harms. For so fares it with men, whose lives are in a continual labour with a trucelesse siege of sickness, till in an irksome tediousness of weary languishment, death becomes more desired than length of life; life now held their foe, and death their friend. The Methonensians to the Turk. LIttle, or less than nothing, have we always esteemed those arms, which strike terror to cowards, and bring with them faint-hearted fear to white liuered men; but add no virtue to valorous minds. Thou mayest do well to spare thyself, and save that care thou hast of us; for we have learned to bear adversity, without the counsel of our enemies. We would thou shouldst well know, those arms can never be turned to hate, which worthy Citizens have tatken up to defend their country, and country's liberty, with Parents, Wives and Children, against the unbridled lust of lawless Tyrants. The Cretians to the Turk. IT hath always been lawful, even by the ordinances of our ancestors, to answer violence with violence, and to cry quit for quo with craft; neither yet do we transgress the rules of friendship, when we only revenge the injuries of our enemies: but with what face dost thou call on us, for fidelity, branding us with so black an imputation, as is falsehood under the colour of faith, seeing thou thyself hast never kept truth with any? The Turk to the men of Chios. WE have returned you again, o Chions, your tribute money; for when we considered the greatness of your merits towards us, we presently decreed your freedom, and commanded, Be you free; for it's not money, but affection and fidelity that's required of friends. The men of Chios to the Turk. NOt what we desire, when we remember thy so great liberality towards us; (for then even wishes come short of our desires, needs must then our ability come far behind, as never able to give a body unto our wishes, nor accomplishment to our desires) but what we are able, we give thee now and ever, immortal thanks; our comfort yet is this; well may our friends surpass us in faculty, and go beyond us in ability, but overcome us they shall not in liberality. The Turk to the Epidaurians. THe Abideans, Phrygians, and dardan's, as I hear, who before were the only Pirates on all the seas, are now entrapped and surprised at Milas, as also put to death by sundry sorts of torments. You have done well, I would think, by the laws of arms; yet we cannot but account it absurd, that you burned the galleys and gally-foists with fire; for war is not with senseless ships (what should they feel?) but with the men that manage them. The Epidaurians to the Turk. NOt only the death of captived pirates, but also the firing of the ships is warranted by the rules of war, the one for that they have so oft troubled and endamaged us by invasions; the other for that they lodged traitors, and brought thieves into our borders: we thought it therefore meet to burn the ships, together with the shipmen, for oft had they run away with the booty of our goods, and transported our spoils into Asia. Now are not the weapons wherewith we are set upon, to be numbered amongst our enemies. The Turk to the Nauplensians. WIll you never give over, nor make an end of injuries, o Nauplensians? because you have set foot within the borders of Achaia, and by your often invasions, led away many a man for spoil; because you thrive in ill doing, will you not cease to do ill? for how can it be, that men shut up with siege, and close prisoners to fear, should put to sword the towns of the conqueror, and waste his fields with fire? do not they seem too late to provide for the good of their country, who when all things are desperate, venture upon impossibilities, and cast themselves on all extremities? The Nauplensians to the Turk. FOr our native country's sake, the common mother of us all, and for the safety of our Citizens, as the common good that sits so near us all, to which two things we own ourselves and all that's ours, do we willingly sacrifice our lives, and object them to all extremities. For either will we die with honour in the defence of our country, and maintenance of our freeborn liberty; or else (as victory may fall on our side) our hands shall keep our necks from the heavy yoke of tyranny, and preserve us still for term of life, our ancient freedom. For we esteem nothing more glorious then to prefer our country's liberty before our parents, our children, and all things else. The Turk to the Pannonians. Howsoever, o Pannonians, you have oft given trial, how great your manhood is in war, yet have you always found it in experience, how little you have got by it, if you compare your goods and ills together. For they that bear stomachs greater than their strength, and carry minds larger than the measure of their own power, have ever been too rash in undertaking, and impotent in undergoing war. The Pannonians to the Turk. WE come not to ask counsel of thee unto our wars, we challenge thee not for want of wisdom to order thy affairs, neither will we require a reason of our enemy for those arms he bears against us, for they have wit enough to do their business, and manage their actions, that by valour of mind and constancy, have purchased themselves victory with praise: The Turk to the Macedonians. YOur Ambassadors brought me that you gave them in charge: whereby you provoked me rather unto pity than unto hate; for it seemed to become you far better, who have been conquered so oft, and brought so oft to be suitors on your knees, to receive with thanks, and not to offer with such impudency the conditions of peace: is it not shame, that men in misery by war should stand on proud terms with their conquerors? The Macedonians to the Turk. WHat just and equal peace can there be twixt thee and the Macedonians? we desire and endeavour to defend our country, and our laws; thou not content with thine own, thirstest after other kingdoms by force of arms, and seekest to stretch out thine Empire beyond thy bounds: we cannot but speak touching our commonwealth, as it becomes our constancy and generous minds, that we hold nothing dearer, and sweeter among men, than liberty; yet this hath always been the common vice and fault of tyrants; free states they hate to death, free cities stand too much in their sight. The Turk to the Asiaticks. YOur Ambassadors delivered their embassage at Zizicus. In words, it seems, you are our friends, and confederates unto arms; but in deed and truth, you are our enemies. Either therefore send us in all haste large ships for assistance, or choose unto you war: for the affection of friends consists not in words, but in deeds, when need requireth. The Asiaticks to the Turk. THat we promise many things before thee by the mouth of our Ambassadors, and perform but few things, of what we promised, the one was the issue of thankful minds; the other must be ascribed to wants. We sent thee presents by Mearchus, which if they seem less than thy desert, and too little for thy greatness; yet well mayest thou think them greater than our ability is able well to give; howsoever thankfulness makes us stretch out our hands beyond our reach. The Turk to the Bithynians. YOu neither sent us ships for the use and service of war, nor yet money in due time. We accuse therefore and charge you with unfriendly backwardness. Take heed, I pray you, how you make them angry with you, and provoke them to hostile indignation, whom you now seem to contemn with neglect. For its better always to take up voluntary arms against our enemies, then after many damages and manifold indignities to be enforced to the field. The Bithynians to the Turk. THe ships we lost of late, conquered unto ashes by the fury of the fiery conqueror, come to the number of twice ten in all; as for the rest of our ships, some split themselves on hardy rocks at Malea, and found to their own undoing, that stones are stronger; some perished in the conflict with our enemies; the sea swallowed others up, by drowning saved from other deaths; yet dead & drowned are both but one; this perisheth as well as that. For our money, it's run low; our treasury is near drawn dry, by feeding the fire of war so long: thou therefore for thy humanity pardon, we pray thee, those whom Fortune hath made so miserable; for how can they give that have their hands cut off? and what can they give, that lick their knife? The Turk to the Coronensians. ARe you not ashamed, o Coronensians, after you have been thrice overthrown in open field, and overcome on even ground, to revive battle yet again, and yet again to patch up an army? do you therefore so often reiterate arms, and renew old wars, that late repentance, may the oftener make rods for your folly, and bring a potion in her hand when all is too late and life is gone? If the bent and aim of those arms you bear against us, be for the purchase of peace, we pardon your fear; if in a hope of victory, considering your case so desperate, your state and strength at so low an ebb, we accuse your madness. The Coronensians to the Turk. WHatelse do they that often raise war against their enemies, but show themselves more than most desirous of peace? For no peace can be secured, nor security established to Citizens with hope of continuance, without warring with their adversaries, and opposition to their opposites. The arbitrement of war and peace, consists in victory. The Turk to the Florentines. YOur Merchants, which traffic in Pontus and Galatia, sent to entreat us at Thessalonica for freedom from tribute, and toultakers, with free carriage and recarriage. We therefore, that delight in nothing more, and hold nothing more honourable, then to exercise liberality towards our friends (liberality, the fairest and loveliest of virtues:) have granted and freely given the liberties and privileges of our City to your Citizens; for, who bestows a benefit on well-deserving men, seems not so much to give any thing, as to requite a good turn. The Florentines to the Turk. WE will easily yield to thee, as far inferior to strive with thee in greatness of good-turns: but pardon us, if we will not be overcome in thankfulness of mind: the abundance of our hearts shall make some amends for the shortness of our hands: for we have always prized it highly, and valued it in the height of affection, that thou shouldest do a thing so plausible to our Citizens, and so worthy of thyself; yet can we not, but account it a matter of more worth in loves estimation, that we repay thee with more than our purses are well able to bear; for the worth of a benefit goes not by the greatness of the thing itself; but it is the mind and goodwill of the giver, that sets the price on what is given, which can be recompensed with nought but with the same again. The Turk to the Pontians. WE have sent you home again the Merchant-ships we took prisoners in the Aegean seas, which molested the Ocean as so many blockhouses: but not to curry favour, I call the Gods to witness, nor yet to be rewarded, have I done so with you; for we verily hold it greater glory to give, then take; and out of our liberality to return all men double for what we take. The Pontians to the Turk. TO be large hearted, and liberally handed towards all men, what else is it in very deed, but to deserve the hearts and tongues of all men? so gracious a virtue is liberality, and of such an attractive power. Thy humanity and unmerited favour in sending us home our ships again, hath made them that were once thy foemen, now for ever thy fast friends and sworn confederates to bear a part in all thy wars, so comely and lovely is it to change injuries into favours, and make peace of war. The Turk to the Cretians. IT's very dishonourable to us and our State, o Cretians, to embrace and continue a league of friendship, with them, that in their deeds show themselves to practise war, rather than peace, and under the vizor of friends, to play the part of foes: but consider I beseech you, how safe and good it will be for you, to fear them anon as your enemies, whom before when they were your friends, you contemned without right or reason. Repentance is the follower of rash attempts; and hath oft overtaken many a bold beginner. The Great Turk to the Delphians. NEither the Oracles of your God Apollo, nor Aesculapius your God of Physic could clear you altogether of frenzy, who so unadvised have ordered matters, that even Minerva herself, the Gods of advice, cannot give advice in so great folly and madness. For the inrfirmities of the body be oftentimes healed, good means being used; but no remedy or medicine is of force to cure the disease of the mind. The Delphians to the Turk. IT seems indeed that we have taken small advice and used but little discretion in managing our affairs; yet it falleth out with us as it doth for the most part with Physicians, who have skill in other men's sicknesses to find the cause and work the cure, but seldom or never help and heal themselves. The Turk to them of Pergamum. KNow you, the Governors and inhabitants of Pergamum, that we have undertaken a voyage, intending to bend our forces against the Euboeians. Wherefore it is our will and command that you meet us at Marathon, that by this means you, who have always manifested your faithfulness towards us as occasion was offered, may now also show your readiness & speed when need requireth. They deserve double thanks who not only bestow kindness very frankly, but give that which they bestow, if not without ask, yet without delay. The Pergamenians to the Turk. WE are ready to set forwards to the wars with a great fleet, not only to multiply and increase your forces, but also to give a more fierce assault and lay sorer siege against the Chalcidensians. They deserve but small thanks who cheerfully perform their bounden duty, when they have ability and opportunity to do it. The Turk to the Mitylenians. ALthough the faithfulness of you of Mitylene hath been evermore so apparent that we never made doubt of the same, notwithstanding you never manifested the same more than in this (which I hear of late) that you have not suffered your enemies and ours to take possession of your city, but shut the gates against them: For you are far from that perfediousnesse which is in some, who are ready upon every proffer to entertain new friends and new factions. You hold it a matter so glorious to defend with force of arms your country and state, when you may do it without violation of the Laws of friendship. They of Mitylene to the Turk. THe Mitylenians, who having now no face of a commonwealth left must live in perpetual subjection and slavery, have thought it far better to remain under the government of one, then to make trial of the regiment of many; wherefore you ought not so much to approve our fidelity in this, as admire our providence and policy. For we do not propound them to ourselves as patterns and examples for imitation, who being sick of an incurable disease take advice of a multitude of Physicians; and notwithstanding they use many and diverse medicines, yet are never restored to health of body. The Turk to the Amazonians. IF that for the maintenance of the franchisment and liberty of Citizens you Amazonians did wage war against me, I should not so much hold you my enemies as good citizens who took arms in defence of their Country, Children, and Parents: but there is no reason of force to persuade us that they will now refuse to subject themselves to men, who heretofore so long time endured the dominion and principality of women. The Amazonians to the Turk. THe reign and government of the Amazons, which you seem to cast in our teeth as a reproach & disgrace, doth encourage and provoke us not to give obedience to any other; for nothing can be more disgraceful for men, then to be found effeminate, yea more faint-hearted than women; wherefore think such men to be in war invincible and most worthy of Sovereignty, amongst whom even silly women have learned to sway an Empire. The Turk to the slavonians. YOu are neither able to defend your city by force of arms, nor any longer to endure the siege wherewith you are begirt; therefore you must needs either take laws as men conquered, or else remove the siege, by putting to flight the forces of him that seeks to bring you into thraldom. Certainly they have but little wit, who being deprived of all aid and secure from their confederates, prolong the war to the great loss and hindrance of a commonwealth. The slavonians to the Turk. WHereas you are not ignorant that we always have had a desire and resolution to maintain and hold our freedom, we have not yet given over the hope whereon we anchored; neither indeed is it possible that Fortune should make our state more miserable, whose case is so bad, that it is even desperate and past cure. The Turk to the Rhodians. IF you Rhodians had but as much might as will, and as much strength as valour, I should think you were not to be conquered by any whatsoever: but seeing the necessaries and nerves of war be men, horse, munition, money and victuals, you ought rather to have regard to your own estate, then unadvisedly to provoke us to come in battle against you; for it is not all one to exceed your enemies in courage of mind, and to be able to overcome them by might and force of arms. The Rhodians to the Turk. IT is not unknown unto you that we have always had as well might & strength, as courage and will, and that you have sufficiently proved by the many, and them no small, overthrows your men have received by us: we have made plentiful provision and preparation of all things that can be expedient, or necessary for us in these affairs, so that the policy, providence, and wisdom of the Rhodians at home, will drive you to no less admiration of them, than their prowess and manhood abroad: And we are thus resolved, though our forces be not so great as yours, that you shall vanquish us rather for want of good Fortune then good courage. The Turk to the Rhodians. I Understand that you of Rhodes have already environed your city with deep trenches, and fortified the walls with three great rampires, and have linked up the harbour towards Mandrachium Colossi with iron chains, that your City may be free from incursion and inroads of enemies, and we discouraged and with held from laying siege unto you. A matter indeed worthy to be remembered and spoken of. For what is more glorious for a man then to venture his life in fight for his liberty, country, children, and parents, that the commonwealth may be preserved? But I pray you by that immortal God whom you serve, what courage have you to resist our forces by sea and land, with so great preparation? For seeing we have after assault overcome and vanquished that famous city Constantinople, the I'll Metelin, the countries of Morea and Colchis, it were better and more befitting you, to beware by others calamity, & follow their example in yielding, then to make yourselves a spectacle to others of misery and destruction. They who audaciously attempt matters beyond their strength, for the most part suffer condign punishment of such foolhardiness. The Rhodians to the Turk. YOu ought not so much to make relation to us of the captivity of the Grecians, as to set us before others as a pattern of fortitude and valour: who as we have a more just cause to take up arms, so we have greater confidence of better success. You had the overthrow by us once at the Island Coes or Langa, and twice at the city Calymnum; we also besetting the armies of the Sultan king of Babylon, overthrew him, and put him to flight. Yea moreover, the Admirals of Rhodes have often made war against the Egyptians, Syrians, and Phoenicians. Do not therefore blame and reproach us for confidence, who have prevailed and got the better against so many nations, who may sooner make others more resolute against you by our example, than any whit be discouraged by the rehearsal of them you have made your vassals. The Turk to the Epirotes. WE understood by the Ambassadors of Molossia of late that Dyrrachium, Apolonia, and all that part of Sclavonia, is annoyed and molested by the incursions and foraging of our armies; and they told us that thieves lie in wait by the way side, in every narrow passage, & that nothing in Macedonia is in safety. You inhabitants of Epire, we have long since given sufficient credit to all they have informed us of: but our manner is to try our right by dint of sword: wherefore I suppose it a matter more beseeming you, (if you call to mind your former valour) to take revenge on them that do you wrong, then by your Ambassadors vainly to make complaint to us of them; for the violence of a man's enemy is hindered not by oratory, but by force of arms. The Epirotes to the Turk. INdeed if it were free for us, and we had power to do it by deeds of arms, we had rather ourselves be revenged on our enemies that offer us injuries, then entreat of these things before you by our Ambassador: but seeing we are too weak to compass it, we have thought it more for our safety to sue to our enemies for peace, then undertake war to no purpose or profit. For it ought to be thought no less valour, than policy to foresee and order all things by good advice. The Turk to the Dalmatians. WE enjoined you the payment a certain tax and subsidy, which seeing you brought in later than was requisite, you make us to think that you do it grudgingly and unwillingly; wherefore either approve your faithfulness towards us in deeds, which need requires, otherwise we will proceed against you in hostility, and manifest to the world that we esteem you as enemies. Dissembling and double dealing is as unmeet amongst friends as may be. The Dalmatians to the Turk. YOu should rather blame our want of ability in this case, than our backwardness, for it is not possible, that he should pay subsidies, that hath no means to get money, where nothing is to be had, the king must lose his right; wherefore they are not to be esteemed as enemies, who are still faithful to their friends, though they cannot express it by their bountiful gifts. The Turk to the Apulians. WE are purposed once again to return unto the Cities of the Brutians, and all Apulia, far and near, to make just war against them, who as we have forcibly brought into subjection the Grecians, and joined them to our Empire, now also make preparation to invade with our forces that coast of Italy, which heretofore was called great Graecia. You therefore wisely imitating the ancient inhabitants of those parts, make surrender of yourselves, and your cities into our hands: it seems to be a great shame for good Citizens to revolt from the customs of their Ancestors, and Laws of their country. The Apulians to the Turk. THey which make their own will a law, do declare that all the right and title they have, is by their force in arms. But you (although you will us to follow the lamentable example of the Grecians) do not so much endeavour to persuade us to the embracing of their laws, as to the entertaining of that government which they are brought under: but it is impossible that we should become more ready to yield ourselves to your mercy then others, seeing you have most cruelly put to death such men of ours, as you have taken captive, omitting no torments that you could inflict upon them: For kingdoms are easily gotten, and enlarged by mercy, liberality, and justice; but can hardly be kept with any force whatsoever if they be tyrannically dealtwithall. The Turk to the Brundusians. WE have intelligence by the Ambassadors of Calabria of your gallant havens and ports to harbour our ships in, and of the situation of your City. Therefore we appoint you together with the men of Otronto to associate us to the wars, for we are preparing to convey over our forces into Italy, intending with an huge Army to accomplish our victories. Therefore it doth not beseem you, nor is it good for you to contemn, or set light by him, whom his own subjects may love for his justice, and his enemies fear for his strength and force in arms. The Brundusians to the Turk. ARe you not ashamed to invite them as confederates to take part with you in a most wicked and detestable war, who have always showed themselves of all men most bitter enemies against you? It is most detestable to serve in the wars under such a Tyrant, who after victory will have the captivated subject themselves unto him, notwithstanding his cruelty, villainy and abominable lust. The Turk to them of Saragosa. YOu Syracusians, I understand, that you, they of Agrigentum, the Messanians, and Cathanians have combined yourselves together and conspired against us, for the restoring to the Grecians their former liberties and franchises: we therefore are providing an huge Army to conduct to Syracuse from Morea in Greece, that now at last you may feel the hostility of them, whom before you without all equity scorned to be your confederates. The Syracusians to the Turk. IF we have presumed in confidence of our ability, and policy in waging war to take up arms against you, we are not to be thought to have attempted any thing rashly and unadvisedly against our enemy. For with how much the more equity, and right men fight for their country and kingdom, they are made so much the more resolute and in better hope of victory. The Turk to the Governors of Italy. I Understand that Germany, France, and Spain are in arms against us, and that you have exhibited to them Captains and Generals for the managing of the war. They seem to have little care, and regard of their own good and security, who unadvisedly without any cause at all provoke their enemies to war. The Governors of Italy to the Turk. THe cause of our war cannot but be most just, who in detestation of the cruelty and villainy of a most unmerciful Tyrant do take arms against you, as against a public enemy of nature. We have not only conspired with the Germans, French men, Spaniards, and all the East countries, but have solicited the free-townes every where to rebel against the Turkish Nation: and therefore the most rich and puissant Kings of the Christians by our persuasion have mustered up their forces, and are risen in arms to be revenged on you for your cruelties, fury, massacres, murders, abominable lust, burning and sacking of Cities, and to set free the whole world from such outrageous injuries. That war is most justly undertaken which being neglected, the common safety of all is endangered. The Turk to King Ferdinand. I Am very glad to hear of your worthy praises, invincible courage, and managing of your affairs to your great glory and estimation▪ who, when you have so often overthrown your enemies, have only respected this in your victories, that you might be gracious in pardoning them whom you conquered: and not so much that your enemies might feel your just revenge, having provoked you thereunto, as that every one might know, and have experience of your mercifulness and clemency. And that which we account a matter of greatest commendation in a Prince, you have always showed yourself invincible, and not cast down in adversity, when Fortune hath crossed you; and in prosperity, neither proud nor puffed up. We have willingly made relation of these good parts, and the rather because virtue as it is commendable in a man's adversary, so it wanteth not due commendations oftentimes from the mouth of an enemy. Ferdinand to the Turk. ALthough we hold it a glory and credit to be commended of our enemies for our great deserts, because their testimony and approbation is for the most part true, and friends in show prove flatterers in deed, and so deceive us in their testimony of us: Notwithstanding we do not so much stand upon, or delight in any man's commendations in words, as we desire that our own worthy and notable deeds should make us famous. Howbeit I willingly embrace this your testimony of me, that you think me to be such a one, whom for virtue and good parts ever his enemies may admire, and for just dealing, his subjects and Citizens may honour, and reverence. The Turk to the Sicilians. THe Carthaginian captains, who in times past, so long while contended with the Romans for principality, have given you many overthrows, and brought you to great ruin, because you seldom kept league with them, but took part with their enemies. And now I understand that you have sent aid to the Rhodians at Halicarnassus, and have conveyed thither in your ships of carriage all furniture and provision for war. Wherefore we denounce you to be our enemies, and will declare the same by all hostility, that they which were so unadvised, as to so little purpose to offend us, without any cause to wrong us, may suffer condign punishment of such audacious rashness. For it will be not only for our safety to revenge the injuries that other men do unto us, but it will make our enemies to fear us the more. The Sicilians to the Turk. NEither have we taken up arms against you, howsoever you accuse us that we sent aid to the Rhodians in Halicarnassus, nor may we be thought to do any man wrong if we choose rather to aid our faithful confederates, than a most cruel tyrant. You may but badly cast in our teeth, the perfidiousness and unfaithfulness of our ancestors, who yourself never kept truce or oath with any, and you are unwise to go about with bugge-bearers and threatening words to fear and terrify them, who are more ready to refer the supposed injuries to the trial of fire and sword, than determination of words. The Turk to the Alexandrians. I Have interdicted, ye men of Alexandria, all Pontus and Asia to your merchants. For the cities of Bithynia being indebted in great sums of money, sent their Ambassadors from Callipolis to complain unto me, holding also in great detestation the usury of the merchants, wherewith all cities are emptied of their money. We hold it therefore better, to provide for the good of many, then for the profit of a few. The Alaxandrians to the Turk. THough it belongeth not to us to contend with thee about private matters, yet if these things whereof thou writest, have been done or attempted by any, thou canst deserve for this at our hands neither love nor hate, seeing every man is permitted to do as he list in his own affairs. The Turk to the Tartarians. WHereas others are many times made wicked either by some fear, or through necessity, you by the nature of the place where ye live, are of all men living the worst and vildest, being a rude and barbarous multitude without government and without law. But forasmuch as you have sent neither money nor Ambassadors in time unto us, you show evidently that we must get both with force. The Tartarians to the Turk. TRuly thou art worse than mad to exact any thing of us, who do live ourselves upon the spoils of others: and in vain dost thou expect an embassage from those who never learned to entreat, but to fight. Neither oughtest thou to wonder at our manners, seeing they are so little differing from those of beasts. For they which have been taught by their ancestors to have no law but arms, use massacres for a pray, and spoils for law. The Turk to the Athenians. YOur Schools, o Athenians, whereby you have attained to a most flourishing Estate, and to the chiefest name and reputation of all good learning and Philosophy, do persuade me much to spare your city, aswell for the reverence which I bear to the wisdom and honour of our ancestors, as also through the love which I have ever carried to the study of those good Arts, which I have heard were first invented, and afterward made perfect in Athens. But on the other side, when I consider your malice always against me, I cannot but think, my kindness doth rather provoke you to hate me, then move you any way to be thankful. Therefore having wasted the whole territory of Eleusina, from Pyerus to Megara, I have given the same to be the pray and spoil of my soldiers, and am ready in like manner to sack the city: For the insolency of an offender many times exceedeth and destroyeth the mercy of an enemy. The Athenians to the Turk. WE bear no hatred to thee, for our liberty saved; what cause have we? But we have taken arms for our country, for our children, for our parents, to whom we own all we have. Neither can we be said to deal with thee like enemies, when we defend our own, considering thou thyself dost fight to take from others. But it behoveth thee to have regard what thing doth best comport with thy greatness. Have we offended thee? Sylla forgave the Athenians: and twice was Alexander pleased to pardon them. Truly, thy victory cannot be great, if thou wilt destroy us that are the glory of thy conquest. Therefore thou oughtest to save us for an example of thy clemency, that so thou mayest allure all men to love thee, rather than by exercising thy cruelty, lust, and fury, upon poor captives, to provoke all the Greeks' to abhor thee. As for us, who have no other hope or confidence left us, if thou wilt not pardon us, we are resolved valiantly to try the worst of Fortune. For what is more honourable, or more pleasing in the world to men of spirit and resolution, then to die courageously for the preservation and safety of the commonwealth and country? The Turk to the Thebans. Ye men of Thebes, I hear you are angry that I have spoiled Athens, whom I have observed long since to have been companions in arms, and of counsel against me. To you therefore, who are already possessed with an horrible fear of the enemy, the same end, the same destiny, and the same miseries, that the Athenians felt, are reserved, which I thought good to signify unto you, that you may be tormented, first with fear, and conscience of your misdeeds, and then with more grievous punishments, and tortures. The Thebans to the Turk. THe ruin of the Athenians hath doubled the strength and courage, not only of the Thebans, but also of all the Greeks', whom we have many times restored to their liberty; so as now growing mad with fury, they do earnestly pursue thee, to chastise all thy villainies. For in deep afflictions, desperate resolutions are ever wont to promise an assured safety. Neither can they that have used to command others, be easily persuaded to obey a tyrant. The Turk to the Lacedæmonians. I Hear, ye men of Sparta, that you are afraid of the army which under the conduct of Cleander, I sent to besiege your city, wherein are twenty thousand chosen footmen, and eight thousand of light horsemen: whose noble courage in war & firm faith to me, not only myself have often tried, but the enemy also hath feared. Therefore it becometh you being tossed with so many miseries of Fortune, to look well to the preservation of the commonwealth, and safety of your people: lest if following the virtue of your ancestors, you undertake a war against me, which you are not able to maintain; you be compelled to pay dearly for your rashness. For it is an excellent thing with yielding to deserve well of an enemy. Which who so refuseth now to do willingly, shall be constrained ere long against his will. The Lacedæmonians to the Turk. CLeander being with his army against our city of Sparta, of our own accord we surrender ourselves unto him: for the Lacedæmonians hold it safer to yield to the counsel of the enemy, when it is profitable, then to hazard the fortune of a battle. Neither do we esteem victory to be so glorious unto us, as it is to deliver our country from the rage and fury of war, without hurt or detriment to the estate. FINIS.